Airstream and Studio F.A. Porsche Reveal the Tenting Trailer of the Future

• Airstream and Studio F.A. Porsche have proven an idea journey trailer co-designed by the 2 manufacturers.
• The collaboration is the results of an concept to create a classy tenting trailer that may be towed by a small SUV or an electrical automobile and be parked inside a storage when not in use.
• Styling combines components which can be quintessential Airstream, however with considerate components together with a pop-top roof to extend inside headroom.

A transatlantic partnership between Airstream and Porsche has resulted in a modern-looking journey trailer idea that debuted in the present day at SXSW in Austin, Texas. The trailer is designed to be pulled by a small SUV or an electrical automobile, and it is meant to function a imaginative and prescient of what an urban-inspired camper may appear to be.

“Our buyer base is about twice as more likely to personal an EV than the final inhabitants,” stated Bob Wheeler, Airstream’s CEO. “Towing a journey trailer cuts down on the vary. Weight and aerodynamics play an enormous half in that.”

Airstream has already been toying with the concept of electrification; the corporate unveiled the eStream idea final 12 months. That trailer featured an electrified powertrain of its personal which may very well be used to slowly alter the trailer’s location when it was unhitched from the tow automobile or help an electric-powered tow automobile whereas on the transfer. And Airstream is not the one model contemplating what over-the-road journey appears like in an EV future. Rival RV producers Winnebago and Bowlus are each engaged on eco-friendly vacationers as properly with electrified choices.

“We perceive this future is coming. It is already right here and it is persevering with to develop,” Wheeler stated, in regards to the growing variety of EVs on the street. “We all know that our homeowners don’t park in campgrounds for summers or seasons; they’re on the street.”

Whereas the Porsche-designed idea you see right here doesn’t function such a powertrain, the design group took nice care to maximise the trailer’s aerodynamics. Somewhat than a rounded rear finish like different Airstreams, the idea encompasses a truncated, flat design that is higher for aero but in addition permits for the inclusion of a hatchback setup that may open the inside of the trailer to the skin.

The trailer’s fully flush underside is one more try at making it extra aerodynamic. The idea makes use of composite supplies akin to carbon fiber to assist hold the load down. Aluminum exterior panels are used right here—simply as they’re on up to date Airstream merchandise—however the model’s rivets have been omitted within the title of decreasing drag.

Purists may say {that a} rivetless trailer means it is not a real Airstream, however from the appears of it, sufficient of the model’s design cues have been included within the idea to earn its place within the model’s historical past books.

“Going into this collaboration, we knew that if we tied Porsche’s palms we would find yourself with what we have already got,” Wheeler stated. “What we ended up with is gorgeous, useful, and represents the model.”

The size of the idea is much like a 16-foot Caravel camper trailer, however the idea is extra compact and shorter in top, because it’s supposed to suit inside an ordinary storage when not in use. The trailer itself might be lowered on its suspension to suit via a storage door, whereas an insulated pop-top roof supplies headroom contained in the trailer when parked at a campsite.

Inside, the idea trailer’s cabin is fashionable, with clear strains and well built-in options. The toilet encompasses a swivel door to avoid wasting area, and your complete enclosure is roofed by fairly bentwood trim. The kitchenette encompasses a two-burner cooktop and an built-in sink; a flip-up countertop extender can be utilized when cooking or when extra counter area is required.

“The curvature and the softness is crucial factor,” stated Steffen Ganz, head of design for Porsche Design of America.

The dinette, which additionally folds right into a mattress, is located on the rear of the camper’s cabin and overhead storage bins omit conventional cupboard doorways in favor of lightweight webbing. Total, the inside design is what you’d count on from Porsche Design, and options clear strains, rounded edges, and loads of chrome and carbon-inspired coloration schemes.

Neither firm would say if the idea would ultimately head to manufacturing, however Airstream’s Wheeler acknowledged that the corporate is contemplating it for the long run.

“We actually fell in love with this factor throughout this course of, and we’re actively attempting to determine how we will produce it,” stated Wheeler. “We’re difficult ourselves to learn how we will construct this successfully, to supply one thing that is an identical to this or very related for the shopper of the long run.”

If the trailer does make it previous the idea stage, we count on it to put on a premium price ticket. Airstream’s present lineup already trades on the larger finish of the RV market. The model’s concentrate on premium supplies and hand-built building has earned it a popularity for longevity and garnered a fan base that has an expectation for high quality—a advantage that these clients are clearly keen to pay for.

Managing Editor, Purchaser’s Information

Drew Dorian is a lifelong automotive fanatic who has additionally held all kinds of consumer-focused positions all through his profession, starting from monetary counselor to auto salesperson. He has dreamed of turning into a Automobile and Driver editor since he was 11 years outdated—a dream that was realized when he joined the employees in April 2016. He’s a born-and-raised Michigander and realized to drive on a 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. His automotive pursuits run the gamut from convertibles and camper vans to sports activities vehicles and luxurious SUVs.